Please listen to our podcast on COVID-19 and our response.
A: Yes, on May 8, 2020 the FDA gave the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to the Quidel Corporation for their Sofia 2 SARS Antigen FIA. The EUA was granted for point-of-care which automatically makes it acceptable for a CLIA waived laboratory. This test requires the use of Quidel’s Sofia 2 device or other approved devices and can produce results in 15 minutes. One caveat with this procedure is that negative results should be treated as presumptive and confirmed with a molecular assay. Read more about the FDA authorization. See the package insert for instructions and limitations.
A: This checklist from MGMA will help practices operationalize the flow of patient care and attend to employee safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A: This CMS document provides recommendations to limit those medical services that could be deferred, such as non-emergent, elective treatment and preventive medical services for patients of all ages. Be aware that some states and municpalities have enacted executive orders with stricter guidelines and definitions of non-essential medical services. If you have questions, check with your state or loacal government websites and/or Board of Medical Examiners.
Please see the section on Re-opening/Re-starting for further information.
A: We have developed two sample letters for use in directing your patients on how you are handling the Coronavirus situation. These are templates which must be customized to your situation. We advise all practices to review your policies and educate your staff as you consider system changes.
A: MGMA COVID-19 Action Center
A: CDC Coronavirus 2019 Healthcare Professionals Index
A: These regulations have been considerably loosened during the Public Health Emergency, but we recommend you check your state's individual situation.
A: CMS has extended the MIPS data submission deadline to April 30, 2020, 8 p.m. ET.
If you are a MIPS eligible clinician and do not submit any MIPS data by April 30, 2020, you won’t need to take any additional action to qualify for the automatic extreme and uncontrollable circumstances policy. You will be automatically identified and will receive a neutral payment adjustment for the 2021 MIPS payment year.
CMS is reopening the “MIPS extreme and uncontrollable circumstances” application for Individual clinicians and groups who have started, but are unable to complete, their data submission. An application citing COVID-19 may be submitted between April 3 and April 30, 2020 and will override any previous data submission.
Any provider can use the MIPS Participation Lookup Tool to see if they are automatically exempt under the COVID-19 Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances Exemption using the following link: https://qpp.cms.gov/participation-lookup. The provider should enter their NPI, select 2019, then click on the + button to expand the category. Scroll down to Clinician Level and look under the Hardship Exception. If there is a Yes, then the provider will receive the automatic exemption.
For more information, please see the Quality Payment Program COVID-19 Response Fact Sheet.
A: With the rapid emergence of waivers and relaxing of laws related to the Coronavirus epidemic, there are scammers already trying to take advantage of the situations. This site keeps Compliance Officers up-to-date on the OIG's guidance's and FAQs.
A: Section 1135 Medicaid Waivers, at least 23 states have approved waivers. The list at this site gives State specific information.
A: Each state has different rules surrounding this. Find the information for your state here.
A: This document provides a comprehensive list of and links to the flexibilities that CMS has implemented to fight COVID-19. This includes Telehealth services, Workforce issues and Stark Law waivers.
Recorded Webinar: TMGMA 4/15/2020 Webinar Recording and Presentation Materials
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, medical practices have been on the front lines of the crisis. Some groups are overwhelmed caring for patients. Others are reducing hours and staff. Keeping up with the regulatory exceptions, legislation and executive orders is a full-time job not to mention the overwhelming number of emails and webinars. If you are looking for a summary of information in one place, this is the webinar for you. Presented by the Medical Practice Services Department of SVMIC, these industry experts present a summary of the key areas impacted by COVID-19. They also address the FAQs they have heard from their physicians.
Our team is here to answer any questions you might have or to help you fill out a quote application.
